I was such a fan of this series 10+ years ago but the installments in the last few years have not been great. It's hard to keep things fresh and interesting 30+ books into the series. I admit I mainly read now in the hopes of cameos and mentions of previous couples. So I loved the mention of Lucian and appreciated the appearance of Ivory and Razvan and Skyler and Dmitri. While I liked Vasilisa and Afanasiv well enough the romance was weak to me and I didn’t have much much interest in the plot. It maybe time for me to let this series go.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a creative and absorbing tale! Definitely recommend this one!

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

Love this author so was thrilled to read this

absolutely loved it

This is the latest book in the Author's long running Dark series and whilst it can be read as a standalone - reading the preceding books would of benefit to set the worldbuilding and characters in place

Vasilisa is a Lycan of Royal heritage , bound to a joining that does not dilute her unique bloodline ....but when she meets her lifemate she finds herself with a dilemma - for Siv is an Ancient Carpathian , a hunter who has secrets of his own . Can the find a way to overcome the prejudice and secrets to finally find love together ?
It is only by working together , both Lycan and Carpathian , that they will be able to overcome the evil that has infiltrated her family - will they find who is behind the attacks ?

I welcome the Author's return to her original model of a strong storyline with interesting , complex characters , where the sexual interest was relevant to the storyline ........ an entertaining read !

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

I don't remember if I've ever read a book in this series and starting with n 32 could have a bit messy. I was lucky because it can be read as a stand alone and I think Ms Feehan can surely write a gripping book.
There's a lot of strong emotions, greed, and a well developed romance.
interesting world building and characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

My favorite paranormal romance series! Dark Whisper is the 36th in Christine Feehan's Carpathian series, and it doesn't disappoint. The story is gripping, action-packed and romantic, with unique and complex characters and suspenseful battle scenes - I couldn't put this book down! One of the best books I've read this year - eagerly anticipating the next in this series!

I used to read the Carpathian series a long time ago so I was interested to return to these and see what was happening with our friends now, I’m glad to say they seem to have returned to the simpler storylines of the first few books which I loved as sometimes these we’re getting overly complicated, overall a great read and a series I’m happy I returned to

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for free copy for an honest opinion

Having read this series for many years, it is interesting to witness the development of the world the author has created. Initially the books focused on human life mates adjusting to the Carpathian way of life. There was a lot of romance and fewer characters to keep track of. Over the 31 previous books, the series has evolved into a richly detailed and complex world, where the romance often takes a back seat to the battle against vampires, mages and most recently demons. There is a family tree at the start of the book, but even so I struggled to remember how all the different characters and bloodlines were connected. If I’m honest, I do miss the more straightforward romances of the early books. Having said that, the world building is outstanding and almost Tolkienesque in its complexity, even providing a glossary of Carpathian terms and language at the end of each book.

Vasiliva, the heroine, is of Lycan heritage. Siv, her life mate is a recurring character from previous books. They meet in the middle of a battle and are both immediately accepting of their bond. Vasiliva is strong, with unique abilities that set her apart from her own race. This is a real strength of the series, as the female characters have become equal in power to the males, rather than always needing their protection. In this way she is a good match for Siv, an ancient Carpathian who is highly skilled at battling enemies and has plenty of power himself.

I would say that this book really needs to be read in sequence and due to the complexities of the plot, is not a book to dip in and out of.

Afanasiv is an Ancient Carpathian who has been waiting centuries for his life mate but he has deep secrets that could change his future. Vasilisa is a Lycan a Royal of her people. Her family and other Lycan’s will not accept any joining that will dilute their heritage. These two have waited a lifetime and must overcome prejudice and secrets to finally find love. The story keeps going a pace as both Demons and mage’s are seeking to infiltrate Lycan and Dark Carpathian alike. Vasilisa is a strong female character who has been brought up to defend her people she will need a strong partner who respects her and is willing to work together. Part of a wonderful long vampire series it would give you a better appreciation of the story to look out for previous books.
"Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own”.

It was a fun book. It was great to see the Lycans again and see them working with the Carpathians. We learn a little more about the Lycans gifts, which I thought it was great.

I still struggle (since the last book) with the introduction of demons to the story, it just feels like too much, demons and Lilith. But I will wait and see until the book.

In conclusion, this book was good and I enjoyed the story, can’t wait for the next one.

Arc generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review